Keeping Kitty In

Did you know that grounding your feline buddy can be incredibly beneficial for her? Cats are known for their love of explorating, well, everything. They thoroughly enjoy spending time outside, engaging in playful feline endeavors like leaving their unique paw prints on your windshield, frolicking in the driveway, and, naturally, presenting you with unexpected ‘gifts’ (typically dead mice, birds, or squirrels) on your porch. However, Fluffy will be much safer inside! Read on for some expert indoor cat care tips from a local Watertown, WI vet.

Is It Okay To Keep Your Feline Friend Inside All The Time?

Keeping Fluffy indoors at all times is not only acceptable, but is also highly recommended! Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to ensure their safety. As soon as your adorable pet ventures outdoors, she becomes vulnerable to numerous potential dangers.

Here are some examples:

• Automobiles
• Weather
• Wild Animals
• Parasites
• chemicals
• Toxic plants
• Stray Dogs
• Viruses and Diseases

In general, outdoor cats are at a higher risk of experiencing harm, going missing, being stolen, or facing a tragic fate.

Keeping Fluffy indoors is also a safer option for the local wildlife. It seems that Man’s Second Best Friend is quite the charming little murderer. Every year, cats are responsible for the deaths of billions of small animals, including birds, reptiles, and rodents. Given the precarious state of numerous native wildlife populations, even the smallest action holds significance.

How Can I Keep Fluffy Happy And Healthy?

Whether Fluffy is kept indoors, outdoors, or has the freedom to come and go, her basic care requirements will stay the same. You’ll need to provide your feline buddy with high-quality, age-appropriate food; access to fresh water; and a cozy shelter. A clean litterbox is also a must. Kitties hate dirty bathrooms, and who can blame them?

Proper veterinary care is essential for your pet’s well-being. Fluffy should be microchipped and spayed or neutered. You’ll also need to ensure she receives regular vaccinations and parasite control. 

Indoor cats enjoy a distinct advantage here, as they are generally less susceptible to illness and injury. However, they still need regular veterinary care. Bringing Fluffy in regularly for exams and screenings is also important. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized guidance.

Petproofing is crucial as well. Kitties are known for their curiosity, playfulness, and, well, recklessness. This, of course, creates an adorable combination, but it can also be extremely dangerous. 

You’ll need to address anything that could potentially harm your beloved pet. That includes various small and sharp items, such as fishing lures, pens, safety pins, craft kit pieces, and pins. Ropes and strings can pose a serious hazard, as can toxic plants and various chemicals. Plastic bags are also on the list. It’s a good idea to keep large appliances closed when not in use and ensure that your windows and screens close securely. Seek additional information from your veterinarian.

How Can I Encourage My Cat To Stay Indoors?

Our feline friends can be incredibly purrsistent. It will be much simpler to encourage Fluffy to stay in if she enjoys it. Otherwise, you might end up constantly attempting to keep your feline companion from escaping.

Your best bet? Start as soon as possible. Ideally, Fluffy should start realizing she lives indoors while she is still a kitten.

You might have to employ some clever tactics to make Fluffy a little hesitant about venturing outside. Whenever you notice her investigating the area near the door, try doing something that will startle her. You don’t want to do anything that would actually hurt or scare her, as this will only strengthen her resolve to break free. 

One possible approach is to consider using water as a deterrent. Spray bottles can be a great kitty-training tool! Making a loud sound could also be beneficial. You have several options to choose from when it comes to making a noise. You can sound a bike horn, set off an alarm on your phone, rattle a jar of change, or even just clap your hands.

Prevent Your Cat from Getting Bored

Cats can be a bit lazy, but they still need amusement. Provide Fluffy plenty of opportunities to engage in activities that entertain her. It is crucial for cats to hone their natural hunting instincts. Have a variety of toys available for your pet and make it a priority to spend quality time playing with them each day.

You may want to make a catio. You can give your cat the best of both worlds this way! Catios offer a safe and secure area that simulates the perks of being outdoors. You have several options: you can use a screened or enclosed porch, a spare room, or a sunny corner. If you want to go the extra mile, consider making Fluffy an enclosure.

No matter where you decide to place the spot, including some kitty furniture and toys is vital. Consider incorporating some pet-friendly plants for your feline friend to investigate and snack on. There are numerous options to consider besides catnip. For additional information on safe and unsafe plants, visit the ASPCA website. 

When arranging your plants, prioritize safety. Avoid placing a heavy plant with trailing leaves on a delicate stand that your cat could accidentally knock over onto herself.

What Are Some Things I Can Do To Make Sure My Cat Is Happy Inside?

Make sure to offer a wide variety of enjoyable toys for your furry friend, and provide them with a high-quality scratching post or board. Like a cat tower, having cat furniture can help keep your feline friend entertained and active. We also strongly suggest that you provide your cat with a comfortable spot by the window, where she can relax and birdwatch to her little heart’s content.

Of course, aside from meeting your pet’s basic care needs, the most important thing is just making sure that she feels loved. Provide your adorable pet with plenty of toys, and make it a priority to spend quality time playing with her every day. Talk to her, pay attention to her, play with her, and just allow her to cuddle up close to you. Keep that motor going! 

Keep in mind that even the smallest comforts can make a big difference. If you won’t be home before it gets dark, turn on a light and the TV for your kitty before you leave. If it’s hot or cold, make sure your furry pal has comfy spots to retreat to. Of course, you’ll also need to provide your feline pal with lots of beds to curl up or sprawl out in for those 434 daily naps. Store-bought ones are fine, but these are also very easy to make. Look online for ideas and instructions. 

Ask your Watertown, WI veterinarian for more insight on keeping your feline pal happy and healthy indoors. 

Make An Appointment At Our Watertown, WI Pet Hospital

Is your feline pal overdue for an appointment? Does Fluffy need parasite control, microchipping, or spay/neuter surgery? Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment. At our Watertown, WI veterinary clinic, we are committed to delivering exceptional care. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time!